It was a historic afternoon in South Bend as Notre Dame took down Syracuse on Senior Day 70-7. The Irish scored the most points they've scored inside of Notre Dame Stadium since 1932 and scored the most first half points in the modern era in program history. As wild as it is to say, the offense didn't score the first 21 points of the game, but when they had their opportunities, they capitalized and made the most of their possessions.
By games end, the offense had racked up 396 total yards of offense, scored 49 points and averaged 10.2 yards per play as a team. It was another explosive outing by Mike Denbrock's crew. Despite running 41 less offensive plays than Syracuse, the offense outgained the Orange by 189 yards and had 329 total rushing yards compared to Syracuse's 112. Typically, when I do key takeaways, there's a handful of different points to hit on throughout this nine-game win streak. While everyone on this offense contributed, there's really only one key takeaway that I wanted to highlight: Jeremiyah Love is the best player in college football.
Love is currently sitting at 1,306 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns on the season. He's added an additional 274 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns to his season long total. It took the St. Louis native 11 games to surpass his 16-game touchdown total a season ago. Love is also averaging an astonishing 7.05 yards per carry, a number that jumped significantly after his 21.4 yards per carry showing yesterday.
The 6-0, 214-pound running back ended his afternoon with eight carries, 171 yards and three rushing touchdowns and only had one carry in the second half that went for a 68-yard touchdown. Fellow running back Jadarian Price also had his way with the Orange defense; Price finished the day with four carries for 70 yards and a touchdown and averaged 17.5 yards per carry. Shockingly enough, Price's 17.5 yards per carry was the third best on the team yesterday afternoon. Quarterback Kenny Minchey had two runs for 59 yards and a touchdown. As great of a performance that the other ball carriers for Notre Dame had, all eyes were on Love.
It's rare to witness greatness and unfortunately, some don't truly understand what they're witnessing until the moment is over. In his last 27 games in the blue and gold, Love has rushed for 2,431 yards, 34 touchdowns, averaged 6.98 yards per carry, caught 54 passes for 511 yards and five touchdowns. He's truly been the best running back of my lifetime to come through Notre Dame. His performance this season has put him well within the Heisman Trophy discussion, rightfully so.
The Heisman Trophy is considered to be 'the most prestigious award in college sports' and is awarded to the best player in college football. I don't know how someone can watch Love every Saturday and not come to the conclusion that No. 4 in blue and gold isn't the best player in the country. I don't know if he'll win the trophy, but yesterday's game all but secured his trip to New York City and if this award wants to maintain credibility in my eyes, Jeremiyah Love should be hoisting the trophy at the end of the season.
-------
Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time!
Join the Irish Breakdown community!
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channel
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes
Follow me on Twitter: @TTrow5
Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook